Annual Report 2007
April 1, 2007 - March 31, 2008
The Asian Rural Institute
Rural Leaders Training Center
ARI Mission Statement
The mission of the Asian Rural Institute is to build
an environmentally healthy, just and peaceful
world, in which each person can live to his or her
fullest potential. This mission is rooted in the love
of Jesus Christ.
To carry out this mission, we nurture and train rural
leaders for a life of sharing. Leaders, both women
and men, who live and work in grassroots rural
communities primarily in Asia, Africa and the
Pacific, form a community of learning each year
together with staff and other residents.
Through community-based learning we study the
best ways for rural people to share and enhance
local resources and abilities for the common good.
We present a challenge to ourselves and to the
whole world in our approach to food and life.
Editors: Steven Cutting and AFARI volunteers Rod and Maria Booth
Greetings from the Chair / Director
In 2007 ARI welcomed 25 participants and 2 training During 2007 we carried out several staff planning
assistants from 11 different countries throughout Asia, events, visioning and planning for both mid-term and
Africa, and the Pacific. Living together on this campus long-range organizational change. The board
they shared their talents as well as their concerns, meanwhile remains very conscious of the need to
learning to solve problems and develop their potential strengthen the financial foundation of ARI and to
as rural leaders. Despite the financial constraints of undertake the update and renovation of many of our
this past year we were able, with the support and deteriorating facilities. In 2008 it will commence a
prayers of the many friends of ARI around the world, series of fund-raising ventures designed to achieve
to successfully complete this program. We are deeply these goals by ARI’s 40th Anniversary, five years from
grateful for your continuing support. now.
It could be said that 2007 was the year in which the We hope you will be inspired by the stories contained
world woke up to the fact that it can no longer carry on in this, our 2007 annual report. The people who make
doing ‘business as usual.’ Soaring fuel prices, up our community know intimately the poverty and
shortages of basic food commodities, and the spike in inequality suffered by the rural poor. At ARI we work
food and fertilizer costs worldwide made people aware together to identify the issues and develop the
that we can no longer ignore our oneness with the leadership that will make it possible to build a world in
created order. ARI’s commitment to the which we may indeed, one day, truly ‘live together.’
interdependency of nature, organic food production, We value your support and your on-going commitment
sustainable development and the training of rural to sharing this journey with us.
leadership is being proven essential for the survival of
the planet. This year, as we celebrated our 35th Board Chair: Dr. Akira Niwa
anniversary, we took a hard look at our mission
statement, its role both in ARI and in the world today,
and took further steps to ensure that it continues to Director: Mr. Isao Nozaki
guide us and serve as the central focus for all of our
activities.
ARI 2007 Annual Report 01
Review of the Training Program
2007 Training Report
Tomoko Arakawa - Curriculum Coodinator
First of all, I am very thankful for God’s abundant blessings change their own way of leading people in their own homes,
and guidance on our 2007 Rural Leaders Training Program organizations, and communities, stating strongly that they
at the Asian Rural Institute. Thanks to the support and coop- will listen to the voices of the people and stand at the same
eration of many friends and supporters, we were able to level as the people while working and sweating together
complete this year’s training program and send out 25 with them.
graduates of 11 nationalities.
Organic Farming Skills
Leadership Training through Field Management The second was practical organic and sustainable agricul-
This year we continued our practical leadership training in tural training. Most of the participants were able to acquire
group field management as a core of our training. The group practical skills in organic and sustainable agriculture by
leader in this field management system was rotated every involving themselves directly in planning, implementation,
three weeks, and by the end of November, each participant and reflection each day in crop and vegetable production
had completed their leadership term. At the end of each and livestock management. Now many participants have
leadership term, the group together with staff did a “leader’s plans to start their own new organic farms and teach these
reflection” from the point of view of “servant leadership,” the skills to the local farmers; especially in order to rescue those
standard that ARI holds as an ideal image of a leader. In farmers who are in a vicious cycle of debt created by
addition to this leader’s reflection, we discussed the roles of purchasing expensive agricultural inputs like chemical
the followers: how followers are able to support a leader fertilizers and pesticides. Many participants would like to
efficiently and how a follower can contribute toward the immediately introduce techniques of making organic fertiliz-
benefit of a whole group. Based on this discussion, we also ers and natural pesticides, utilizing locally available
reflected on each member’s contribution and role as a resources.
follower. Each participant was able to nurture his or her
servant leadership skills, both while they served as a leader Time Management
and during the time they were the supporting members of The third area of learning that the participants greatly appre-
the group. ciated was time management. Many mentioned that this
was the first time in their lives that they lived according to a
New Image of a Leader well-planned schedule and actually carried out that sched-
Summarizing the participants’ training reflections, there were ule. They concluded that one of the reasons development
three major areas of learning that impressed them. The first moves so slowly in their communities was that people do
was Servant Leadership. In the daily field management not have a concept of time management, nor are they in the
activities, as mentioned before, and in many moments in habit of creating a plan based on a schedule. In order to
daily life, the participants gradually changed their image of make a scheduled thing happen at a scheduled time, the
themselves as a leader. Now they are loud proclaimers of participants found that they have to change their concept of
Servant Leadership. Many participants determined to time management and start practicing it in daily life.
02 ARI 2007 Annual Report
Review of the Training Program
Peace from the Soil farmers in Ogawa town, in Saitama Prefecture, Mr. Toru
One unique event in this year’s training was the peace Sakawa in Iwate Prefecture, and Mr. Tatsuo Sakahara who
symposium “Peace from the Soil” held in September. This guided us in the Ashio Copper Mine pollution study. Their
symposium was funded by the Asia-Pacific Cultural Center insights had a tremendous impact on the participants.
for UNESCO (ACCU) and we invited eight peace activists Joining us on Campus
including four ARI Graduates. All of these lecturers are We hosted 125 working visitors and 46 work camp groups
involved in peace movements in conflict areas of the world this year. They stayed in the Nasu Seminar House and ARI
and we were able to hear their living voices. At the end of dormitories and joined our community, adding color to our
the program, we came up with a joint resolution for using the life. Trainees of Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers
rural areas to promote peace at the grassroots. also participated in the training program in May and August,
Off Campus Study each for two weeks. This year, two summer interns from
This year, the same as in the last few years, for our rural Wellesley College and four Global Justice Volunteers from
community study, we were blessed with great cooperation the United Methodist Church General Board for Global
from the farmers, government organizations, and agricul- Ministries in the U.S. joined us in our work and activities.
tural institutions in the Okitama and Shonai areas in All year round this campus was filled with people, young and
Yamagata prefecture and the Nikaho area in Akita prefec- old, of different colors and different nations. We, who are
ture. During the Western Japan Study Tour, the Osaka different from each other, share an important thing in life -
Mimani YMCA and the Minamata Anti-Chemical Orange that is food, and by that we are able to draw out the poten-
Farmers League provided us special support. For two home tial and creativity that lies in all of us. In ARI, each person
stay programs in the Tokyo metropolitan area, members of who gathers here is a vital component to the community.
UCCJ Ecumenical Relations Committee of the National Each one of us was able to have a very special creative
Federation of Kyodan Women’s Societies (KWS) and Tokyo experience, by sharing food. We give thanks to God who
Union Church kindly opened their homes. A special thank made this miracle happen in this community and all the
you also goes to Mr. and Mrs. Kaneko and other organic people who supported this program.
Three Pillars of ARI’s Rural Leaders Training Program
Personal Growth
Enrichment of Foodlife
Enrichment of Community-based
Rural Life Approach
ARI 2007 Annual Report 03
Review of the Training Program
The ARI Curriculum - Learning by Doing
2007 Lecture Agenda (*guest lecturer)
“When you learn by doing you get the skill right
Leadership
inside you.” The Mission and History of ARI Mr. Nozaki
Peter Chandi, 1990 ARI Graduate, Kenya Servant Leadership Mr. Nozaki
The Role of Rural Leaders in Rev. Um* (pastor, ARI counselor)
Field Management Activity (FMA) – Participants were
Development
divided into small groups and given the responsibility of Participatory Learning & Action Ms. Yasuda* (Asha Ko Kiran NGO)
managing one ARI garden as well as one section of livestock Appreciative Inquiry Mr. Cutting
together with the help of volunteers and staff. This system Policy Advocacy Dr. Tasaka* (ARI board member)
was set up to give participants more opportunities for practi- Presentation Skills Ms. Sugawara
cal application of ARI training in the following areas: 3 Dimensional Agriculture & the Mr. Haga* (Tozawa Village Intl’ Assoc.)
• Integrated organic agricultural techniques Spirit of the Rural Leader
• Planning and management of the farm Facilitation Skills Ms. Arakawa
• Leadership Report Writing Mr. Cutting
Independent Learning Mr. & Mrs. Cutting*
• Utilization of local resources
• Group dynamics and participatory decision making
Development
• Sharing indigenous knowledge
Contemporary Issues in Development Mr. Nozaki
Practical Field Study (PFS) – These sessions give both Development and the Mission of ARI Mr. Hoover*
theoretical and hands-on knowledge of organic farming, Modernization, Development, Mr. Epp* (Menno Village Organic Farm)
animal rearing, and food processing techniques. and Globalization
Is Biotechnology Necessary Mr. Epp*
• Bokashi (quick compost) making
Local Food Systems Mr. Epp*
• Composting
Credit Union Mr. Endo
• Integrated pest management
Rural Development Mr. Kikuchi* (former ARI staff)
• Indigenous microorganisms
Development and the Environment Dr. Tasaka* (ARI board member)
• Fermented plant juice Nutrition Ms. Arakawa
• Fish amino acid Human Trafficking in Asia Ms. Kaida* (Japan Intl’ Center for
• Water soluble calcium Children’s Rights)
• Charcoal and wood vinegar making The History of Nasu Canal Mr. Tamura*
• Seed collection Ashio Copper Mine Environmental Mr. Sakahara* (Dir. Shozo Tanaka Univ.)
• Soil blocks for seed germination Pollution
• Aigamo duck & rice integrated farming The Work of UNICEF Dr. Hirabayashi* (UNICEF Tokyo)
• Fermented fish feed making Social Work Dr. Vernon* (Indiana University)
Gender Issues Ms. Mensendiek* (Doshisha University)
• Livestock disease prevention
Negros – the Sugar Island and Mr. Ishikawa (MC-ARI Santa Rita
• Livestock feed mixing
Farming Training Center)
Optional Seasonal Topics History of Japanese Immigrants Dr. Fujimoto* (University of California,
• Fermented plant juice making in California Davis)
• Brooding of poultry Materials Development for Disaster Ms. Shibao,* Ms. Zawa* (Asia/Pacific
• Fish spawning Management Cultural Centre for UNESCO)
Basic Japanese Ms. Ogura*
• Pigs – artificial insemination, delivery, castration
Optional Topics Sustainable Agriculture
• Biogas system Sustainable Agriculture Theory Mr. Nagashima
• Ram pump system Sustainable Agriculture Theory Mr. Shekhar Chatterjee* (Ag. Advisor, India)
• Gray water treatment system Agriculture in Japan Ms. Sugawara
• Meat processing – sausage, ham, smoked chicken Integrated Farming Mr. Nagashima
Crops & Vegetables Mr. Arakawa
• Baking – bread, cookies, cakes
Livestock Mr. Nagashima
• Soap making
Basic Science Mr. Nozaki
The Dangers of Chemical Farming Dr. Tasaka*
Natural Farming Mr. Murakami* (natural farmer)
Appropriate Technology Mr. Nagashima
Food Processing Ms. Yamaguchi
Climate and International Agriculture Mr. Kobayashi* (Institute for Global
Development Environmental Strategies)
04 ARI 2007 Annual Report
Review of the Training Program
Curriculum Focus – Observation Trips
Off campus training is a large part of the total ARI experi- Study Trips
ence. Through the generosity of local farmers and organi-
Neighbouring farmers – rice seedling center, dairy farm,
zations we can give participants a great deal of exposure
fish culture farm
and learning on issues that deeply effect their local commu-
Ashio Copper Mine – anti-pollution activism
nities, such as community based recycling, the long term
Huttarite Community – organic farming community
effects of industrial pollution, livelihood projects for the
Kaneko, Tashita, and Kuwabara organic farms
disabled, and even the vivid realities of nuclear war. They
Kasumigaura Lake – fish culture and processing center
visit and work on organic farms, where they see not only the
Kinoshijuku – school for organic farmers
agricultural methods of these successful small scale
Wind Family organic farm
farmers, but also the financial side, such as the direct
Cattle slaughterhouse
marketing and distribution systems. Through these trips,
Waste recycling center
the participants begin to change their attitudes toward
Nasu Canal – the development of the Nasunogahara plain
farming. “Farming is not just for the poor and uneducated. It
Local kindergartens, elementary, junior high, and high schools
sustains our communities and our lives. Those who till the
land can be proud and content with their work.”
Rural Community Study Tour
“If they can do it, I can do it.”
The Rural Community Study Tour is a two week field trip
One participant had some powerful words about her obser-
through Northern Japan, in which participants meet and
vations trip that she shared with the community. “Visiting
interact with pioneer organic farmers. Visits included:
farmers, schools, churches, people’s homes, and the Nagai
Consumers’ co-ops
City Rainbow Plan (recycling), we experienced so many
Farmers’ wives groups
things. Wherever we went we learned new things. It was
Japan Agriculture (JA) – agricultural co-ops
not only interesting but challenging too. Most of what we
Japan Agriculture (JA) – direct marketing schemes
saw and heard was beyond my imagination and I started to
Organic farms and farming associations
wonder what kind of wisdom and knowledge is stored in the
The Rainbow Plan – kitchen garbage recycling center
minds of the people we met. My understanding is that
Rural women food processing group
though their applications or methods may differ, they are all
Sakawa permaculture farm
heading towards the same goal in caring for nature, the
Yamagata University – agricultural department
environment, the soil, and working not only for themselves
Local govt. agriculture and environmental conservation depts.
but for future generations.
Rural churches
The center of our environment is human beings. Their
concern is how to live; people with people and people with Western Japan Study Tour
nature, in order to have a healthy and peaceful life. After
The Western Japan Study Tour focuses mostly on urban
listening to all these people, I came to the conclusion that if
issues and social welfare. Through visits to various institu-
people all over the world think like them, work like them, and
tions, participants learn how Japan deals with various social
live like them; the world could be a much better place for us
issues such as:
to live in together. My new motto is, “If they can do it, I can
Homelessness – Kamagasaki day laborers village
do it.”
Minority issues – Asaka Buraku Liberation Federation
The mentally disabled – Nodokaen Intermediate Group Home
Organic Farming –
MOA Natural Farm
Aino-Kai Organic Agriculture Assoc. & High School
Kumamoto Inochi to Tsuchi wo Mamoru Kai
Peace Issues – Hiroshima Peace Park
The physically disabled – Seirei Social Welfare Community
Pollution – Minamata Anti-Agricultural Chemicals Producers
Assoc. & Eco-Net Minamata
Interfaith experience – Risshyoko Sei Kai Buddhist Association
Student fellowship – Kyoto University of Foreign Languages
Tomatsu Farm organic grapes
ARI 2007 Annual Report 05
Review of the Training Program
Food Life fields were divided into four areas and crops rotated within –
legumes, leaf vegetables, and root vegetables.
Crops and Vegetables The participants also studied various agricultural products
like organic fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides using
Three years ago we introduced a new curriculum methodol-
locally available resources (such as wood vinegar,
ogy called “field management activity.” The participants
fermented plant juice, water soluble calcium and garlic
were divided into small groups and given the responsibility
soaked in alcohol.) This year we emphasized the application
to manage their own fields and livestock. There was work
of these materials and encouraged them to use them on
in the morning and afternoon called “foodlife work” in which
their own fields.
they were entrusted with producing the food consumed by
the community in accordance with ARI’s philosophy of food We visited organic farmers all over Japan and organic
self-sufficiency. This gave the participants an instant oppor- farmers came to visit and share with us. This gave us the
tunity to apply what they were learning in the classroom. chance to learn a wide variety of philosophies and
Through this practical application they could immediately techniques in organic farming and natural agriculture.
recognize which parts of the lectures or demonstrations These opportunities helped the participants realize that the
they did not fully understand and they could follow up these way we do farming at ARI is not the only way, and might not
areas with further practice. even be the best way, and that it is vital for them to experi-
ment and seek out the farming methods that are most
This approach also meant that there was not only technical
applicable within their own communities.
and classroom training but leadership and group participa-
tion training as well. Everyone took turns being both group
leader and participant. Through the experience of being led
Livestock
in different styles and by different personalities, they In 2007 we emphasized the use of appropriate technology
perceived and began to understand what makes an in our livestock activities. The division into four groups
effective leader – a leader who is able to motivate their enabled participants to share in activities equally. Since at
team. ARI we consider livestock and fish cultivation to be an
integral part of small scale farming the participants did daily
In the practical field study sessions, we prepared bokashi
livestock management and weekly practical study.
(organic compost) and rice husk charcoal. Both are impor-
tant components to healthy effective organic farming. Each The fish cultivation group used resources found within the
group prepared their own bokashi and charcoal and stored campus, including water sources such as ground water, rain
their supply separately so there was an understanding of water, and treated water from the women’s dormitory. The
supply management. If the supply ran out they had to cultivation of carp, goldfish, and grass carp included
prepare more before they could continue their farm work. hatching eggs, raising fry, and making feed. Rice/fish
They sowed their fields with seeds or seedlings, nurtured, integrated farming was practiced in the rice paddies around
weeded, and harvested throughout the growing season. one fish pond. Carp and grass carp were released into the
These activities provided a down to earth (pun intended) rice paddies in order to eat the weeds and insects. We
practical application of farming, from enriching soil to grew soybeans and vegetables around the edges of the
sowing, from harvest to cleaning (fields and tools). To help paddies and fish ponds. Additionally, we began self-
participants understand the significance of crop rotation the production of pellet feed for the fish, and the fish grew nicely.
06 ARI 2007 Annual Report
Review of the Training Program
In 2007, we were instructed by the Japanese Livestock Meal Service
Hygiene Center to keep our aigamo ducks apart from the
chicken sheds and pig pens in order to reduce the possibil- ARI participants took part in meal preparation every day
ity of exposing them to the bird flu. In mid May we under the supervision of the meal service coordinator.
hatched aigamo eggs on campus and the ducklings Twice a day (morning and evening) as part of the Foodlife
released into the paddies to control the weeds and insects. Work participants took their turns in cooking. In this way
they were involved in the whole cycle of food production
The group that worked with pigs raised sows on fermented
including bringing the harvest to share at the table.
rice husk floors, which provides a good environment for the
natural foraging behavior of pigs. The fattening pigs, The participants, many of whom come from tropical regions,
however, were raised in Danish-style pens with concrete quickly discovered that the ingredients that were easily
floors. Showing that we truly don’t waste anything, manure available in their own countries could not be found in ARI.
from these sties was collected to make biogas. Incorpo- They had to cook using the food grown on this campus
rated in the pigs’ diet was leftover rice from the city’s which helped them to understand how to adapt to make use
elementary schools and okara (a byproduct of tofu) from a of available resources, which in turn made them reflect on
local tofu factory. By making use of these local resources how resources are used (or sometimes wasted) in their own
that would have simply gone to waste, we were able to places.
drastically reduce our feed costs. To maximize the use of
planting space, makuwa melon were planted around the The participants rotated leadership on a weekly basis and
pigpen and inside the biogas house, providing not only fruit supervised the cooking. The leader had to guide the
but also shade for the area. members efficiently, considering proper time management
In the cattle section we concentrated on raising cattle and and the flow of activity. They also tried to listen to the
producing milk for consumption within ARI. Our cows were voices of the community, who had varied tastes and food
raised on roughage including dent corn, Italian rye grass, preferences. At the same time they tried to respect each of
clover and mixed grass from currently unused rice fields. the different cultural and personal values of the community
The dent corn was chopped and stored as silage for use in members regarding food. It is not easy to satisfy this
the winter. We also cut the grass on the slopes around diverse group of fifty or more people at every meal. One
campus and the embankments of the paddy paddies to use graduate said, “In the ARI kitchen there are people with all
as feed for the cows. kinds of tastes and the time is limited. Working in the ARI
kitchen tested my skills in human relationship management.”
The poultry group managed chickens, ducks and rabbits. On another occasion one male participant concluded,
They also grew feed and vegetables around the chicken “When I go back home I will do household chores!” In meal
coops. All the group members joined in the care and service participants were able to experience work that was
feeding of the chickens. For brooding, the participants outside their traditional gender roles, and as such began to
used both the light bulb heating system and the self-heating find greater appreciation and value in those roles. These
system (chicks own body heat is maintained in a draft free are some of the life lessons that the kitchen can offer.
and covered location). They also made their own There was success this year in the “training” of the ARI
fermented chicken feed by mixing the leftovers of school kitchen.
rice, okara and rice bran with indigenous microorganisms.
ARI 2007 Annual Report 07
Friends of ARI
Friends of ARI Anne Dance – Canadian Volunteer
Individual friends of ARI have initiated some remarkable
The Asian Rural Institute has a network of friends around the support activities on their own. Anne Dance is one of the two
world. In some places this network is nurtured by graduates, Canadian members of the AFARI Board. A many time volun-
working at their varied activities within their home countries. teer at ARI she has also formed liaisons with a number of the
Other parts of the network are fueled by the energy of volun- graduates in their home communities. Anne has seen how
teers who have experienced ARI. Then there are those many bringing rural leaders from struggling communities to meet,
folk who have been touched personally by the friendship, learn and work with compatriots in other countries is a life-
vision and example of ARI founder Toshihiro Takami and who changing experience. Now she is telling that story, speaking
have responded by organizing on-going support for his to local church and community groups, spreading the ARI
dream. message in her home region and raising funds for both ARI
and graduate-initiated projects. In 2007 Anne worked
with her local church to bring a youth group for a work
camp at ARI, and in 2008 she is going to Cameroon to
help launch an ARI-modeled training center.
Eimert & Eve van Herwijnen – Dutch Volunteers
Eimert van Herwijnen worked with the Shell Oil
Company in Japan during the 1960s. As members of
the Yokohama Chapel Center, he and Eve became
interested in the Tsurakawa Seminary’s rural training
program. There they met, and were impressed by, its
director Rev. Toshihiro Takami. Upon their return to
Holland they set about raising funds for the program.
One day, on his way to meetings in Geneva, Dr. Takami
stopped by to thank the van Herwijnens and their
friends for their gifts of support and it was the begin-
ning of a life-long friendship. Eimert and Eve spoke to
ARISA – Asian Rural Institute Support Association local groups about ARI and undertook the translating of the
ARISA started in 1974, the year after ARI itself came into ARI newsletters into Dutch and distributing it, at their own
being. Japanese church and community friends who wanted expense, to their Dutch friends. Though they never asked for
to help, formed branches in Tokyo, Utsunomiya and money, donations came in anyway and were forwarded on to
Otawara/Nishinasuno and began meeting together, raising ARI.
funds, and contributing in-kind support to the fledgling In 1983 the van Herwijnens were able to visit ARI, and the
institute. The Tokyo branch was particularly active, organizing ARI motto “That We May Live Together” became their
benefit concerts and initiating what has become the main personal motto as well. Deciding to change their lifestyle,
income source for ARISA, an annual membership fee Eimert quit his job of 27 years with Shell and they committed
(currently $60 US per year). In this way ARISA raises to a communal form of living. Like many of that band of
approximately 10% of ARI’s annual budget need. pioneer friends of ARI, failing eyesight and diminishing
energy are beginning to take their toll. Eimert and Eve
AFARI – American Friends of the Asian Rural Institute
realize, as have the AFARI and ARISA founders, that a new
Some of Dr. Takami’s earliest supporters in North America
generation of ARI supporters must soon step forward.
were his college friends Roger Manners and Don Tarr. They
were instrumental in 1983 in the establishment of AFARI, the European Volunteer Initiative
American Friends of ARI. Now in its 25th year, AFARI annu- There are signs that this is happening. While the AFARI
ally raises roughly another 10% of ARI’s operating budget board was appointing seven, mostly younger, new members
and assists in securing additional scholarship funds from to its board, a group of ARI volunteers in Europe - at their own
North American churches and donor agencies. In 2007, initiative and expense - met on two occasions looking for
AFARI hired former ARI staffer J.B. Hoover to be its first ways to “promote, recruit and fundraise for ARI from our
Development Coordinator; longtime board members also respective countries in Europe.” Testifying to the way in
have worked hard to recruit new board members to carry on which their ARI volunteering had been life-changing and a
the work which they pioneered. A series of regional speaking period of growth, this group of young people spent several
tours with ARI graduates and staff have been held and days reflecting on their collective ARI experience. Their resul-
articles on ARI are starting to appear in major denominational tant list of observations, suggestions and proposals has been
publications. forwarded to ARI for consideration by the staff and board.
08 ARI 2007 Annual Report
Special Programs
Meghan McConnell on the Sri Lanka study tour
Peace from the Soil – Symposium at ARI Sept 4 - 10 ARI-JAICAF Joint NGO Staff Training Program Feb 13 - 15
ARI held Peace from the Soil – a symposium to seek out the Workshops:
potential of the rural areas as a base for peace making. • Needs Assessment of Japanese Rural Development NGOs
Sponsored by UNESCO Japan, this symposium brought • Contemporary Issues of Rural Regions of the World
together rural peoples from 20 different nations to share their Sponsored by JAICAF: Japan Assoc. of International
experiences and explore the possibilities of peace making Cooperation in Agriculture and Forestry
initiatives sprouting from their own rural regions. Facilitated by iLEAP - the Center for Critical Service
ARI Study Tour - Visiting Graduates in Sri Lanka July 12 - 23 JOCV Technical Training
Each year ARI organizes an overseas tour, inviting friends ARI provided 3 weeks of training for 3 seperate groups of
and supporters to visit graduates in their respective regions. JOCV (Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers) as part of
This year such a trip took place to Sri Lanka, attended by five the their pre-dispatch technical training in agriculture. We
members and two accompanying staff. They visited 73 also received one trainee from the Overseas Fishery Coop-
graduates in all, from the coasts still recovering from the eration Foundation of Japan.
tsunami to the tea plantation mountainsides. Each day
Service Learning
presented new opportunities to meet and talk with graduates
As one component of the International Christian University
and learn first hand about the positive impact they are making
Service Learning Program, ARI hosted students from Nankin
in their communities and how ARI training is a part of that.
University in China and Silliman University in the Philippines.
Negros Philippines High School Work Camp Aug 13 - 26
Jr. and Sr. High School Occupation Program
Based at the MC-ARI Santa Rita Training Center that was
ARI received students from local Jr. and Sr. High schools as part
built through the joint collaboration of ARI and the local
of their occupational experience programs. We were chosen as
convent, the Augustinian Sisters of Our Lady of Consolation,
a site for those interested in experiencing agriculture.
ARI organized a work camp for high school students.
Students from Japanese high schools joined local Filipino Interfaith Prayer Meeting Oct 31
students to learn about each other’s cultures and build friend- Once again ARI served as host for an annual joint prayer
ships through doing farm work and sharing in daily life meeting with a local chapter of the Buddhist Church, in which
together. members of various faiths came together to pray for world peace.
ARI 2007 Annual Report 09
Supporters Pages
ARI Individual Overseas Supporters
Hector & Beverly Acuna John Hoyt Benton & Doris Rhoades
Susan M. Adams Nancy & Thomas Inui Craig Rice & Ameeta Sony
Louis & Josephine Albrecht Joan Ishibashi Alyson Rieke
Douglas & Maribelle Appleby Donald & Janet Jackson Randall & Patricia Roeser
Carl & Marie Bade Terry Jackson David & Priscilla Ruhe
Verlyn L. Barker Annette Jim Janet Russell
Laura Barndt James Joyce & Leigh Jewell Elliot Ryder
Alfred C. Bartholomew Laurence & Virginia Judd Charles & Nell Sanders
Yoshiro & Yasuko Befu Gabriele Kasper Ken & Connie Sansome
Nelson & Charlotte Bond Ernest Kazato Dain & Suya Sansome
Rodney & Maria Booth Heather Keith & Steven Fesmire Lisa Schaechter
Russell Bope Douglas & Marjorie Kinsey Roger & Kay Shanks
Steve Brokaw Roger & Beth Knight Yasuko Shorrock
Roy Clark Mary Jo Kremer Bardwell & Charlotte Smith
Fred Clark Armin & Evelyn Kroehler Gary & Carolyn Soto
Elizabeth J. Clarke Ronald & Elizabeth Kutscher John Steichen
Mary Anne & Ephraim Cohen Richard & Martha Lammers Shirley Stibal
Neva Corl Janell J. Landis Phil & Valerie Stichter
Homer & LaRue Cornish Byeong Duk & Hye Kyung Lee Virginia Stowe
Joy Crelin Barbara Lemonopoulos Lee & Dotty Swan
Marjorie & Robert Crelin Richard & Laraine Linde Donald & Evelyn Sweetser
Margaret Crowl Jerry & Janice Livingston Yukio & Midori Tani
Andrew Cutting Margaret Logan Marjorie Tarr
David & Elizabeth Cutting Bruce & Jeanette MacKenzie Stephen Tarr & Janet Vorvick
Robert W. DeBolt Glenn & Evelyn Maddy Frank & Marian Taylor
Carol Decker Stanley & Evelyn Manierre Richard H. Thorngren
Thomas & Twyla Diamond John Manners John & Helen Tomb
Jordan E. Dickinson Joyce Manson Deane & Donna Uhl
Fred & Carol Edmonds Elizabeth Maplesden Glenn & Ruth Van Haitsma
Edna Emerson Mary Lea Marshall Eimert & Eve Van Herwijnen
Brian & Karen Festa Kathleen & Akira Matsushima Harold & Lillian Velasquez
Emily Fielding Dorcas & Ken Mattern Barbara Webb
Lloyd & Marie Fischer Alden Matthews Julia Wenker
Irene Fisher Michael & Cindy McConnell Israel & Julia Wertz
Robert & Esther Fortenbaugh Walter B. Mead Millicent M. Wetrich
Carolyn Francis John E. Mekota, Jr. Walden & Carolyn Whitehill
Carlton & Elsie Freudenberger Barbara Mensendiek Pallop & Karen Wilairat
Ben & Carol Fujita Thomas & Michiko Morgan William E. & Alice Wimer
Karen K. Garver Frieda Morris H. Boyd & Jeanette Woodruff
William & Annabeth Gay Rosalind Morris Motoe Yamada
Kenneth Gelhaus John & Hatsumi Moss Joseph & Judy Yasutake
Martin & Sonya Gibbs Donald & Jacqueline Patenaude Lawrence Young
Brittany Gill Carolyn Moss & Daniel Hawkins John & Anna Young
Faye J. Glass Elizabeth K. Mount Donald & Glennys Ziegler
Charles & Elizabeth Goss Barbara L. Mueller
James & Noriko Goto Kikuyo & Richard Nakamura
Paul & Catherine Gregory Flora Ninomiya
Ted & Norine Haas Robert & Shio Northup
Betsy & Tony Hale Edith O'Donnell
Peg & Harry Hampton Bill Pallett
Marcia Hampton Penny Allen Partridge
Doris Hartman Alison Pease
Linnea Hasegawa & Rob Aung Hugh & Lois Penney
Ryusuke & Pam Hasegawa Winifred & Robert Peterson
Nagi Hashiba Jim & Carolyn Peterson
Jacqueline Haslett James M. Phillips
Mary Hawkes Helen Post
Ronald & Phyllis Hedberg Donald & Sheila Potter
Lorna & Will Henkel Jack & Jane Presseau
Sam & Gail Hill Christina Purdy
Irving & Carol Hoadley Sallie Ramirez
William & Eleanor Honaman Judith B. Redding
John Hoover Robert Regenold
10 ARI 2007 Annual Report
Supporters Pages
ARI Institutional Supporters
National Tomo no Kai
Program Supporters – Contributions from these organizations Nishinasuno Church
were designted for the 2007 ARI Rural Leaders Training Program. Nishinasuno Kindergarten
Okayama Tomo no Kai
Overseas Orix Foundation
American Friends of ARI (AFARI) Otawara Catholic Church
Global Ministries of the United Church of Christ and the Christian Otawara Rotary Club
Church (Disciples of Christ) Rikkyo Women’s College
Primate's World Relief & Development Fund, Canada Rissyo-Kosei-Kai Buddhist Association
The United Church of Canada Satsuki Kindergarten
United Methodist Church General Board of Global Ministries St. Alban's Church
United Methodist Committee on Relief St. Andrew’s Church
Berkeley Methodist United Church, CA St. Timothy’s Church
Branford Building Supplies, Inc., CT Seisanichi Kyoukai (Holy Trinity Church)
Cortland United Church, Cortland, NE Shima Network Co. Ltd.
The Episcopal Church of St. Martin, Davis, CA Skole Family Education Association
First Christian Church, Women’s Group, Palo Alto, CA Tokyo Kasumigaseki Lion’s Club
First Congregational Church in Amherst, UCC, MA Tokyo Union Church
First Congregational Church, UCC, Branford, CT Toshiba Company Ltd.
First UMC, United Methodist Women, Watsonville, CA Toyo Eiwa Women’s Jr./Sr. High School
First UMC, Manhattan, KS Toyo Eiwa Kindergarten
Good Samaritan UMC, Cupertino, CA UNESCO Asia Pacific Culture Center
Guilford Community Church, VT United Church of Christ Japan (UCCJ) – Ecumenical Committee
Hardy UMC, Texarkana, TX Utsunomiya Kita High School
Harris UMC, Honolulu, HI World Family Fund
Hope UMC, Belchertown, MA Yokohama Tomo no Kai
Kitchell Memorial Presbyterian Church, East Hanover, NJ Yokohama Presbyterian Church
Lindsay UMC, CA Yokohama Union Church
McConnellstown UMC, Huntington, PA Yokosuka Gakuin
The Northern California Japanese American Theological Forum Yoyogi Uehara Church
San Luis Obispo UMC, CA
St. James Episcopal Church, Keene, NH
St. James Thrift Shop, Keene, NH Scholarship Supporters – These contributions were designated as
Trinity UMC, Pearl City, HI scholarships (full or partial) granted to specific participants of the
United Church of Christ, Scribner, NE 2007 Training Program. In some cases a single participant was
United Church of Dorset & East Rupert, VT awarded two or more partial scholarships. This list also includes
Wesley UMC, San Jose, CA funds designated as travel grants, denoted with an asterisk (*).
West Dover Congregational Church, VT
Wilmington Congregational Church, VT Overseas
American Baptist International Ministries
Japan Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society of the Episcopal Church USA
Asian Rural Institute Supporters Association (ARISA) Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Anglican Church of Japan (NSKK), Tokyo Diocese Global Ministries of the United Church of Christ and the Christian
Anglican Church of Japan (NSKK), North Kanto District Church (Disciples of Christ)
Aoyama Gakuin Jr./Sr. High School The Hartstra Foundation, The Netherlands
Aoyama Gakuin Women’s Junior College World Council of Churches, Switzerland
Asagaya Church World Council of Churches, Switzerland*
Ashikaga Bank Intl’ Friendship Foundation United Church of Canada - Partners Consultative Group
Asia Culture Center for UNESCO United Evangelical Mission, Germany*
Asian Ladies Friendship Society, Tokyo USPG – Anglicans in World Mission, United Kingdom
Burma Veteran’s Association
Good Samaritan Kai Japan
Gushinkai Foundation Asian Rural Welfare Association (ARWA)
Environment Arena Research Institute American School in Japan Swim Team
Holy Savior Church Fujisawa Catholic Church
International Christian University Church Global Citizen
IKE – Architecture & Development Office Kubota Foundation
Japan Association for Intl’ Cooperation (JAICAF) Japan Evangelical Lutheran Association
The Japan Foundation JASSO
Kajigaya Church Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Foundation, Inc.
Kamakura Yuki no Shita Church Sacred Heart
Kobe Union Church St. Columban’s Catholic Assoc.
Koujimachi Catholic Church Tokyo American Club - Women's Group
Meiji Gakuin Higashimurayama Jr./Sr. High School United Church of Christ Japan (UCCJ) – Women’s Conference
National Christian Council in Japan Wakachiai Project
ARI 2007 Annual Report 11
Finance
Financial Statements April 1, 2007 - March 31, 2008
Miscellaneous Scholarships
and fees
2%
Supplimental activities 40%
14%
1
Investment
2% INCOME (unit: US Dollars)
Grants Income
4% Subject 2007 BUDGET 2007 ACTUAL 2008 BUDGET
Scholarships and Fees 3 411,812 384,651 361,583
Donations
Tuition 14,776 18,088 31,675
38%
Entrance fee 2,038 2,038 3,312
Food 7,133 7,048 11,549
Lodging 7,133 7,048 11,549
ARI vs. Seed Patents
Domestic individual donations 63,264 59,236 46,960
“Sustainability” is a word we use a lot around ARI. Domestic institutional donations 137,143 141,004 130,010
The same word is used by companies that produce
Overseas individual donations 126,529 63,527 75,577
and sell genetically modified seed. These compa-
nies invest millions in research, trials, and patent- Overseas institutional donations 53,796 86,662 50,951
ing of seeds guaranteed to produce higher yields,
while being resistant to disease, pests, and Donations 305,622 373,404 343,266
applications of agro-chemicals. Higher yields per
Designated donations 203,719 201,384 241,364
farmer, they maintain, mean more food for people.
Is this not the meaning of sustainability? At the ARI Supporters Association (ARISA) 101,902 108,330 101,902
same time these companies must ensure their Special donations 0 63,689 0
profits, and toward that end they disallow farmers
who purchased their seed from saving and replant-
Grants 38,723 37,212 30,740
ing seeds produced by the plants they grow. Farm-
ers who have done so are being hauled off to court
and sued. Investment Income 16,389 22,286 17,069
At ARI, of course, we do not use GM seeds. We Interest 85 991 85
work hard to maximize yields by starting with rich, Facilities 16,304 21,295 16,984
fertile soil to produce healthy plants. We deal with
insects and diseases by rotating crops, observing 4
Supplemental Activities 113,587 134,479 131,284
proper timing in sowing, and, if needed, applying
natural medicines like wood vinegar. From many
of our vegetables, we collect our seed for use in the Miscellaneous Income 13,587 21,453 8,492
next season. For us it is simple. Seeds are a gift
of nature, a promise of new life, and critical piece in
Total income 900,093 973,485 892,434
the cycle of life. They are free for all who till the
earth, this year, next year, and a hundred years
from now. Is this not the meaning of sustainability? Transfer to assets -5,944 -14,675 0
14%
Total 894,149 958,811 892,434
Self-Generated
Income
60%
Domestic
Overseas / Domestic Contributions
Donations
(6.5% of the 2
total income is
from AFARI)
(11.1% of
26% the total income
Overseas is from ARISA)
Contributions
12 ARI 2007 Annual Report
Finance
Repayment of loans
Personnel
EXPENDITURE
1 2%
(unit: US Dollars) 66%
Administration
19%
Subject 2007 BUDGET 2007 ACTUAL 2008 BUDGET
Personnel
5
750,849 747,088 553,753 Expenditure
Faculty salary 390,370 489,902 514,190
Staff salary 137,993 33,118 33,118
Education and research
Retirement allowance 6 222,486 224,067 6,445 13%
Education and Research 158,713 140,855 120,686
Stipend 39,232 36,207 37,500
Study tours 27,514 17,609 19,039
Special lectures 8,322 2,854 4,688
Agricultural training costs 35,581 31,943 26,053 Does ARI receive government
Domestic transportation 2,293 661 1,698 subsidies?
International t ravel 20,890 20,010 15,999
As in most countries, Japan subsidizes public
Course materials 1,613 1,009 1,274
education. From kindergarten to college, many
Research 2,548 2,510 2,548
educational institutions receive governmental and
Medical 6,709 3,032 5,095
prefectural subsidies or grants. These funds are to
Staff study 1,274 1,514 1,274
cover personnel expenses such as teachers and
Special Seminars 0 11,475 4,246
administrators, educational facilities, and school
Seminars 849 425 1,274
supplies.
Overseas projects 11,889 10,341 0
Stock increase 0 1,266 0 It is often assumed that the Asian Rural Institute (a
certified educational institution) receives this type
Administration 203,974 218,394 215,795 of government support. However, even though ARI
Office supplies 1,613 2,864 1,452 has government certification, it doesn’t meet the
Utilities 36,175 31,740 32,558 criteria to receive grants. This certification
Staff transportation 6,793 5,800 6,114 provides special treatment on taxes but does not
Fundraising 11,294 12,053 20,185 allow us financial assistance from the government.
Fuel 9,171 7,161 8,254
ARI’s financial base is created from private and
Welfare 425 6,327 382
corporate donations both within Japan and from
Communication 4,416 5,089 3,974
overseas. The annual costs of training for each
Accounting, equip. lease, printing 20,296 17,653 18,266
participant are $16,140 and airfares range in price
Publications 2,972 6,169 2,675
from $1,000 to $4,000. Since we invite people
Vehicle maintenance 16,559 25,390 15,285
from some of the poorest regions of the world, we
General Maintenance 7,218 3,535 6,496
work to connect each participant with individuals or
Insurance 2,972 2,322 2,972
organizations that can provide financial support in
Rental expenses 170 4,969 170
the form of scholarships. In order to reach the
Taxes and public dues 3,397 3,074 2,972
amount of funding needed to carry on operations
Banking and Accounting 3,821 1,669 3,397
for one year, however, we must collect much more
Conferences 2,123 2,374 1,911
than just student fees. Therefore we also work to
Bank Commission fees 6,029 4,919 5,435
acquire funds to support the school itself, through
Supplemental activities 14,946 11,170 35,156
fundraising and income generating activities, to
Special events 849 1,034 764
meet our yearly budget requirements. By this
Public Relations 510 523 459
system, and by the grace of God, we have contin-
Micellaneous expenses 425 828 382
ued operations for over 35 years. This is due to the
Depreciation allowance 51,800 61,732 46,535
tremendous, heartfelt support of untold numbers of
people who believe in and support the mission of ARI.
Repayment of Loans 20,763 21,542 23,777
Interest on debt 12,525 13,331 8,492
Interest on school bonds 8,237 8,211 15,285
Total expenses 1,134,299 1,127,879 914,012
2007 Surplus -240,149 -169,068 -21,578
Total Accumulated Deficit -2,748,606 -2,677,525 -2,847,919
ARI 2007 Annual Report 13
Finance
Assets and Liabilities April 1, 2007 - March 31, 2008
1
(unit: US Dollars)
Assets Liabilities
As of 3/31/08 As of 3/31/07 As of 3/31/08 As of 3/31/07
Fixed Assets 3,346,906 3,413,498 Fixed Liabilities 664,487 1,098,960
Property 2,738,466 2,798,679 Long term loans 407,609 395,495
Scholarship endowment 605,209 611,548 School bonds 256,878 703,465
Securities / shares 1,859 1,882
Telphone rights 1,372 1,389
Current Assets 236,070 153,252 Current Liabilities 1,482,755 857,840
Cash & savings 169,849 62,350 Short term loans 594,429 550,254
Stock (livestock, rice, etc.) 45,759 47,611 School bonds 531,335 122,431
Accounts receivable 0 4,194 Accounts payable 3,832 99,475
Other 20,462 39,097 Other 353,159 85,679
Total 3,582,976 3,566,750 Total Liabilities 2,147,242 1,956,799
Notice to Financial Statements Capital
1. Exchange rate: ARI accounting is carried out in Japanese
yen. For the convenience of international supporters, figures As of 3/31/08 As of 3/31/07
in this report are given in US dollars according to the 2007 Foundation Capital 4,113,259 4,149,680
average exchange rate of US$1 = ¥117.76
2. AFARI: In 2007 ARI received a total of $63,075 through
AFARI. As always, thank you! Balance of income and expenditures 1973 to date
3. Scholarships and fees: In most cases neither overseas
participants nor their sending bodies are able to handle the
Balance carried forward to next year
costs of ARI training. Therefore ARI seeks to cover these
expenses through scholarship contributions made by 2,677,525 2,539,730
individuals and organizations. Total balance of income and expenditures 1973 to date
4. Supplemental activities income: This category reflects -2,677,525 -2,539,730
self generated income through sales of ARI farm produce,
processed goods, handicrafts, etc.
Assets, Liabilities, and Capital Total
5. Personnel: This category does not include salaries paid 3,582,976 3,566,750
by other church organizations for one staff member in 2007.
6. Retirement Benfits: Retirement benefits of $224,067
were expended from the general account for two long term
Auditors’ Statement
personnel in 2007. This was due to the fact that a retire-
ment reserve fund was not being maintained. A reserve The above duly audited financial statements have been
fund for retirement pay was re-established in 2007 in order prepared by the Fujinuma Tax and Accounting Service,
to create a sounder financial future for ARI and its employees. Inc. and approved by the ARI Auditors, Mr. Akira Funatsu
and Mr. Tokichika Harada. All the documents were
properly kept and there were no irregularities.
April 2 8, 2008
Auditor: Akira Funatsu
Auditor: Tokichika Harada
14 ARI 2007 Annual Report
Staff 2007 Board of Directors 2007
Honorary President and Founder Board of Trustees
Rev. Dr. Toshihiro Takami Chair: Dr. Akira Niwa – Professor Emeritus, Dokkyo Medical
College; Chairman of Hitomugi Social Welfare Association
Full Time Staff Mr. Isao Nozaki – Director, Asian Rural Institute
Isao Nozaki Director Mr. Ryusuke Fukuda – Senior Advisor, The Hongkong & Shanghai
Tomoko Arakawa Assistant Director / Training Coordinator Banking Corp., Ltd
Hoichi Endo Metro Area Office Manager Dr. Satoru Kuze – President, Meiji Gakuin University
Kiyoshi Nagashima Livestock Manager Rev. Masaoki Hoshino – Pastor, UCCJ Matsuzaki Church
Osamu Arakawa Farm Manager Ms. Teruko Niwa – Lect urer, Toyo Eiwa Women’s College, retired
Yukiko Oyanagi Crops and Vegetables Manager Dr. Koa Tasaka – Professor Emeritus, International Christian
Michiko Sugawara Admissions and Graduate Outreach University
Steven Cutting Ecumenical Relations Coordinator Rev. Jintaro Ueda – Bishop of Tokyo, Anglican Church of Japan
Mitsuru Nakamura Nasu Seminar House Manager Mr. Tadashi Yamada – President Mitsui Real Estate Co., retired
Yuko Endo General Affairs Mr. Hoichi Endo – Chairman - ARI Finance Committee
Rev. Hyung Wook Ban Community Life Coordinator / Livestock
Board of Councilors
Part Time Staff Dr. Akira Niwa – Professor Emeritus, Dokkyo Medical College;
Katsuno Fujita ARISA Manager Chairman of Hitomugi Social Welfare Association
Mitsue Kimijima General Affairs - Accounting Rev. Masaoki Hoshino – Pastor, UCCJ Matsuzaki Church
Junko Tanaka Library Mr. Tadashi Yamada – President Mitsui Real Estate Co., retired
Yoshiko Yamaguchi Food Processing Mr. Hoichi Endo – Chairman - ARI Finance Committee
Nobuko Ishii Meal Service Mr. Hideo Kikuchi – Member, Holy Trinity Church, Tokyo
Rev. Taesung Um – Pastor, Songhak Methodist Church, Korea
Contract Staff Mr. Noriaki Sato – Press Editor,The Yomiuri Shimbun
Toshiaki Kusunoki General Manager Rev. Toshimasa Yamamoto – General Secretary, National Christian
Fr. Laksiri Peiris Chaplain / Graduate Outreach Council in Japan (NCCJ)
Nozomi Takimoto Public Relations Rev. Isao Kikuchi – Bishop, Roman Catholic Diocese of Niigata
Hideji Kijima Livestock Ms. Sarah Oba – Zai Nippon Interboard Senkyoshi Shandan
Hiroko Goto Meal Service Coordinator Mr. Mistuo Fukumoto – Director, Nishinasuno Kindergarten
Rev. Yoshio Ushio – Pastor, Nishinasuno Church, UCCJ
Researcher Mr. Masahiko Yamane – Board member, Kagawa Nutrition
Muneo Ishikawa MC - ARI Santa Rita Learning Center University
Fr. Koshi Ito – Priest, Roman Catholic Diocese of Tokyo
Mr. Sooboo Ree – President, Intech, Ltd.
Mr. Yukio Miyazaki – Board member, Rotary Yoneyama Memorial
Foundation, Inc.
Mr. Satoshi Tsukamoto – Former staff, Asian Rural Institute
Mr. Kiyoshi Nagashima – Staff, Asian Rural Institute
Ms. Tomoko Arakawa – Staff, Asian Rural Institute
Mr. Toshiaki Kusunoki -- Staff, Asian Rural Institute
Auditors
Mr. Akira Funatsu - President, Chairman, Tochigi YMCA,
Utsunomiya
Mr. Tokichika Harada - President, Nasu House Kogyo Co. Ltd.,
Shioya
ARI 2007 Annual Report 15
2007 Volunteers
Volunteers - ARI couldn’t live without them! escaping the city and welcoming the opportunity to get their
hands into the soil and reconnect with nature. Another 2007
In 2007 ARI welcomed 39 on-site volunteers, from throughout working visitor was Dr. Jonathan Brand, president of Dr.
the world, who participated in the life of the ARI community. Takami’s alma mater, Doane College in Crete, Nebraska.
Some, like Meghan and Andy McConnell, volunteers with the “What truly distinguishes ARI,” he wrote for the school paper
Episcopal Church (USA) Young Adult Service Corps, commit- upon his return, “is its uplifting and positively infectious sense
ted more than a year of their lives to the ARI vision. "We were of community. I was fortunate in being able to join everyone in
looking for a service opportunity, something to test us person- their daily work: weeding, harvesting, mulching, sweeping
ally and to stretch us in growing together," says Andy. "We floors, cooking. At ARI, it is a true team effort and, without that
found it!" effort, ARI simply cannot function. There would be no food to
serve. The animals would not survive. The facilities would fall
Others, like Steffen Wirth, Jan Schwarting, and Andy Levin
apart. The success of ARI requires that everyone pitch in, and
were part of the growing number of young German
they all know it.”
alternative-service volunteers who, in place of compulsory
military service, give 11 months of their lives to institutions like Work Camps
ARI. Each year we also welcome a number of young Japanese Work camp groups are yet another ingredient in the ARI mix
volunteers like Sachiyo Kameda and Hironori Kono. In 2007 and this year we hosted 41 groups. For some of these young
ARI was also happy to host 4 United Methodist Church Global people ARI is their first-ever experience of farm life. As they
Justice Volunteers as well as two interns through the Wellesley take part in the daily farm work, they learn the importance of
College Center for Work Service Program. Each of them has food and its connection with all life. In 2007 youth group from
their own deeply personal reasons for committing a portion of Ontario, Canada raised the funds for a work camp experience
their life to ARI. Some are keen to experience organic farming at ARI. They even brought maple syrup with them in order to
or learn about issues in development first hand through our treat the entire community to a proper pancake breakfast!
participants. Others are seeking
the experience of life in a multi-
cultural, English speaking,
learning environment.
Working Visitors
During 2007 there were some 97
working visitors who participated
in the ARI community for terms
ranging from 3 to 60 days. Some,
like Yoko Zjalic, come every year,
Volunteers Katie Pearce Livestock
Rachel Barnhardt Ecumenical Relations Jan Schwarting Recruitment & Graduate Outreach
Heather Burnham Crops & Vegetables Shin Tanabe Livestock
Michiaki Fujimoto General Affairs Malte Täubrich Crops & Vegetables
Mayumi Hama Crops & Vegetables Nate Wilairat Crops & Vegetables
Kazuhiro Hayashi Livestock / Meal Service Jamal Williams Livestock
Tetsuya Ishii Crops & Vegetables Steffen Wirth Computer Systems Administration
Catherine Jaffe Crops & Vegetables Angela Xiong Crops & Vegetables
Mirjam Jekel Meal Service Natasha Yatawara Recruitment / Meal Service
Sachiyo Kameda Food Processing
Commuting Volunteers
Dennis Keller Recruitment & Graduate Outreach
Cheong-kon Kim Crops & Vegetables Miyuki Akutsu General Affairs
Kohei Kitsunai Livestock Jeen Hae Chun General Affairs
Hironori Kono Crops & Vegetables Takashi Fushimi Maintenance
Andy Levin Livestock Koichi Ishiyama Crops & Vegetables
Eveline Luk Recruitment / Meal Service Mika Nagase Food Processing
Takaya Machigami Public Relations Masae Nakamura Nurse
Andy McConnell Computer Systems Administration Jin Onozaki Crops & Vegetables
Meghan McConnell Ecumenical Relations Yumi Suzuki General Affairs
Mitsumi Orita Crops & Vegetables Kyoko Takamura General Affairs
Katsuya Oshima Public Relations Naoyuki Takamura Maintenance
16 ARI 2007 Annual Report
2007 Graduates
Cameroon Cameroon Cameroon Cameroon
Joseph Mbah Tenjoh Mbivka Jane-Francis Eric Dindze Tangka Fomujong Florence Mah Fon
Benevolent Community Berinyuy Kumbo Development and The Center for Environmental
Education and Rural NAVTI Foundation Orientation Center (KUDOC) and Agricultural Development
Development Society (CEADEV)
(BERDSCO)
Ghana Madagascar Bangladesh India
Rev. George Offin Vincent Mbolaniaina Arati Modhu Toshang Khaling
Owusu-Ababio Rakotoarisoa Society for Training and Dorcas Noble Fund
Kumasi Southwest Baptist Association VONONA Rehabilitation (STAR)
Association
India Sri Lanka Sri Lanka Indonesia
Reeta Sinruwng Daminda Chandrasiri Sarath Chandra Pathma Rev. Bahara Sihombing
Widows Welfare Society Udamula Mallawarachchi Huria Kristen Indonesia
Smyrna Church SEWA Lanka Foundation
Indonesia Indonesia Myanmar Myanmar
Gede Suarna Emmy Lasmaria Rev. Nang Ngwe Kyi Rev. U Aung Saik
The Protestant Christian Rajagukguk Shweli Shan Baptist The Church of the Province of
Church in Bali Panti Asushan Elim - HKBP Convention Myanmar - Anglican
Myanmar Laos Philippines Philippines
Rev. Tial Chin Thluai Phonesawanh Dittephong Jade Alipoyo Dario Telen Lacaya
Thantlang Association of Houey Hong Vocational Local Empowerment Guinles Farmers
Baptist Churches (TABC) Training Center for Women Foundation Multi-Purpose Cooperative
(GUIFAMCO)
Philippines Philippines Solomon Islands
Genalyn Magsigay Rev. Fred Balintay John Mark Male
Oliveros Pinatubo Bethel Christian Asia Pacific Sustainable
FRIEND Foundation Church Development (APSD)
Training Assistants
Ghana Myanmar
Rev. B. Timothy Appau Naw Lee Myar
Kumasi Southwest Baptist Kayah Hpu Baptist
Association Association
Gray areas show the countries of ARI graduates
ARI 2007 Annual Report 17
American Friends of the PRSRT STD
Asian Rural Institute U.S. Postage
Rural Leaders Training Center - Japan PAID
SO. MD 207
c/o Pam Hasegawa Permit #1368
29 Hill Street
Morristown, NJ 07960-5328
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED